File photo: Robert Walker signs the oath of office at the 2022 inauguration. It was his 12th time, being elected councillor for six terms with Clearview Township and six terms with the Town of Stayner prior to amalgamation.
Robert Walker has declared he will not be seeking reelection in the upcoming municipal election.
Having held a council seat in Stayner for 35 years, Walker choked up Monday while explaining that he is stepping aside due to health concerns.
Walker reflected on serving six terms with Clearview Township council and staff, who he referred to as his second family.
“It’s tough to say goodbye,” he said. “All the staff have been so great to work for. Councils of the six terms were excellent councils to work with to accomplish things. We argued, we didn’t argue, we disagreed, we voted, and when we left out those doors that’s where it ended. Every council in those six terms were an excellent blend of people to move this township forward.”
Walker was first elected to council for the Town of Stayner in 1981 and served six terms until amalgamation in 1993.
At that time a total of 22 representatives from the amalgamated municipalities of Stayner, Creemore, Nottawasaga and Sunnidale were combined on one committee that met at the old Stayner Town Hall for one year.
“I got out of it at that point because I just felt that it would be a lot of work to get four municipalities tied in together,” Walker told The Echo.
After a break from politics he was elected again in 2004.
“I am going to miss it but when you get to a certain age health sometimes takes over and unfortunately mine has started to act up again and I therefore will not want to put a new council injeopardy of having to find somebody partway through,” said Walker at the May 25 council meeting. “I respect the individuals who put their names forward. It’s a wonderful sharing experience and don’t be afraid of it, grab onto it and enjoy it. I said I’ve enjoyed all 22 years here and my 13 years as a member of Stayner council prior to amalgamation. I think I better stop there. Thank you.”
Walker’s lasting legacies include the establishment of Clearview Youth Centre, the construction of the new Stayner branch of Clearview Public Library, and improvements to Stayner’s downtown with a focus on safety. Also during his time on council, the wastewater agreement with Wasaga Beach was signed, the new Klondike Park Road water system rork began, and a transit system was established.
“To me, it has always been team work,” said Walker.
He has also served the community as a dedicated 25-year member of the Stayner Lions Club and the Stayner Granite Club, an umpire and coach, and a founding member of Clearview Community Theatre.
Mayor Doug Measures took the opportunity to express his gratitude.
“I know you’re going to remain a terrific asset to our community because there’s no doubt in my mind you’re a community man, so I’m very, very impressed that you made this decision,” he said. “I’m very happy for you, and I want to thank your family for [sharing] you with us for all these years, Bob. Good luck.”
In a Facebook message, Walker said due to failing health he would like to take time for his family, including 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, while he is still able.
He will remain on council until after the municipal election in October. He said he wanted to make his intentions known in case potential candidates were waiting in the wings.
So far only Ken Walker (no relation) has filed in Ward 4.
In other wards, Phyllis Dineen has filed for Ward 1 (Nottawa).
With Robert McArthur running for mayor, the Ward 2 (Creemore) riding remains open as of presstime.
Robert Thomas and Melanie Walters are competing for Ward 5 (New Lowell), with Marty Beelen going for the deputy mayor’s seat.
In Mulmur, Janet Horner is running for mayor, Patricia Clark is running for deputy mayor and Shirley Boxem is running for one of three council seats.
